Safer cycling and walking for two Ross-shire schools

Funding that will benefit the safety of pupils at two Ross-shire schools has been approved today (Wednesday 19 November) by The Highland Council’s Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area Committee.

Members agreed that £8,500 from the Scottish Government’s Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets Programme will go to Knockbreck Primary in Tain to cover the costs of installing cycle storage. By improving cycling facilities, staff will be able to encourage more pupils to travel to and from their school by bike.

A further £8,000 has been awarded to Kiltearn Primary in Evanton to improve the safety of pupils on a main walking route to school. Work will include installing pedestrian rails, footprints and other stop/look/listen markings and drop kerbs on Hernitage Street.

Chairman, Councillor Hamish Fraser, said: “The aims of the Safer Routes to Schools Projects are to improve child safety and save lives by encouraging sustainable and active travel. The health benefits of travelling by bike and walking are also important so I’m glad pupils in Tain and Evanton are to benefit from these new measures.

“I look forward to more ideas coming forward from the Road Safety Unit in partnership with our schools on how they can make journeys for pupils by bike or foot safer and at the same time cut down carbon emissions.”